Family's tribute to "mischievous, good-natured" soldier

The family of a soldier fatally injured by an improvised bomb in Afghanistan have paid tribute to him ahead of his funeral.

Connor was such a kind-hearted, good-natured and amusing guy...

He described himself as a warrior even though he was scared of spiders.

Always in good spirits and often mischievous, he had a cheeky grin and infectious giggle.

Connor regarded his best friends as brothers and he loved to play practical jokes on them.

One of four children, his older brother Vinnie was his life-long best friend. His sister Hollie, with Connor's sense of humour, was his double, and sister Bonnie remembers not so warmly being the youngest of the four - therefore tormented by the 3 of them."

– Family Tribute paid to Sapper Connor Ray

The 20 year-old will be given full military honours at his funeral this afternoon.